Past Present Future Politics on Trial: A History of Lawfare
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May 18, 2025 Dive into the riveting world of historical political trials, from Socrates to modern-day figures. Discover why even dictatorial regimes cling to legal formalities. Unpack the dramatic contrasts in the executions of Ceausescu and Saddam Hussein, revealing deeper truths about power and justice. Explore the performative aspects of trials that expose political vulnerabilities. Delve into the concept of 'lawfare' and how courtrooms serve as battlegrounds for legitimacy and authority in society.
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Witnessing Two Historic Executions
- David Runciman recalls witnessing two real executions on video: the Ceausescus in 1989 and Saddam Hussein in 2006.
- These events shaped his view on the brutal yet politically significant nature of summary executions.
Legal Procedure as Power Veneer
- Even tyrants want the appearance of legal procedure to avoid pure chaos.
- This thin veneer of process legitimizes power, even if the trial is a sham.
Death of Beria as Farce
- Armando Iannucci's film The Death of Stalin humorously depicts the brutal power politics surrounding Beria.
- It contrasts chaotic violence with bureaucratic procedural struggles within the Soviet Committee room.